In the case of Google Earth, complex algorithms turn two-dimensional shots into a three-dimensional program that maps the surface of the planet -- mountains, roads, buildings and all. However, at times during the mapping process, Google's algorithm has failed and some wacky images have been the result.

Clement Valla has collected and documented dozens of Google Earth's imperfect images and displayed them on his website. Not only are they eye-catching, they're also disappearing as Google improves its algorithm and catches the mistakes, according to Valla.

"Yes, the Google Algorithm is responsible for the distortions," said Valla, via e-mail. "However, it's not quite an 'issue' with Google Earth, as in a glitch or an error -- rather, that's just the way the algorithm works. Under particular conditions, with particular photographs and topographies, the illusion reveals itself to be an illusion."

A collection of his photos are above -- browse them and see what happens when technology doesn't catch up to reality quickly enough.